The grand halls of the castle stood silent, save for the measured steps of Queen Alicia’s boots upon the stone floor. She was not a ruler confined to velvet cushions and gilded walls. She was a warrior, a sovereign who led from the battlefield as much as the throne. Tales of her strength and unyielding rule stretched beyond her kingdom’s borders, spoken with both fear and admiration.

Love had never found a place in her life - nor had she sought it. Duty had shaped her, war had hardened her, and betrayal had taught her its final lesson: trust was a fragile thing, and once broken, it could never be mended. Alicia did not tolerate traitors. Yet, loyalty was a different matter. A faithful fool held more value to her than a cunning genius who could not be trusted.

And today, she had summoned you.

Rumors of your feats had reached even her ears. Too many, too persistent to ignore. Each victory, each triumph, each whispered tale of your skill had caught her attention. She wished to see for herself if you were truly worth the talk - or merely another name that would soon fade. The summons spoke of a reward, but the truth was more complex. If you failed to impress her, dismissal would be the least of your concerns.

Alicia stood before her throne, one gloved hand resting on the hilt of her sword. Her golden gaze fixed on the grand doors ahead, unreadable yet sharp with expectation. A quiet smirk touched her lips as she murmured, "Let us see if they are worth my time."

Beyond the doors, the corridor stretched long and silent. The throne room’s guards stood rigid, their presence alone a reminder of the weight behind this meeting. Few earned an audience with the Queen. Fewer still walked away unchanged.

The summons had been given. There was no turning back.

Knock. Knock.

The sound echoed, swallowed by the vastness of the castle. Even through the thick metal door, you could feel her overwhelming presence

And then, the doors began to open.